I have always been one of those people who loves to get out into the world and talk with other people, but a few years ago, I realized that I had to do something about my smile. My teeth were yellow and unattractive, and it was really discouraging to see how much different my smile was. I knew that I needed to get my teeth fixed, so I started working with a professional dentist to make things right. Within a few short months, my smile was completely transformed, and I knew that I owed it all to my dental professional. Check out this blog for more information about working with a dentist.

Working With A Great Dentist

Got Cavities? Solving Your Dental Caries With One Porcelain Onlay At A Time

27 April 2016

Harper Hughes

According to a 2015 study, over 25 percent of American adults have untreated cavities, and by the time they reach 65 years of age, 96 percent of individuals will have some level of tooth decay. When caught early on, a filling can usually be placed by the dentist to keep the decay from spreading and causing any further oral health damage. However, if the damage is done, the decay can spread. If you're able to get to the dentist and catch it before a crown is needed, what type of treatment is there? Usually, the best option is a porcelain onlay, which is a dental restoration procedure that can restore your larger-than-average cavity without the need for a crown.

Understanding the Different Types of Dental Onlays

One thing that is important to understand is that there are two different styles of dental onlays: indirect and direct. One is made right in the dental office and the other is made in a special off-site laboratory. Here is a brief overview of the difference and what to expect with them:

Indirect Onlays – With an indirect onlay, you will need to visit your dentist twice over the course of several weeks. At the initial appointment, your dentist will prepare your damaged tooth by removing all of the tooth decay. Once the decay has been removed, he or she will make an impression of the tooth to send to a laboratory. There, an onlay will be made for your tooth. However, this will take a few weeks so your dentist will use a temporary filling to cover your tooth in the meantime. At your second appointment, this temporary filling will be removed and the onlay from the lab will be cemented into place.

Direct Onlays – With a direct onlay, the process only takes one appointment. The same method of preparation takes place. However, this time the onlay doesn't have to be sent off to the lab. Instead, it is created right in the office. Some dentists will mold it and harden it in a specialized oven, while others will use new high-tech technology known as CEREC. CEREC utilizes 3D computer equipment to take images of your teeth and produce the porcelain restorations in the office.

Before you decide that a dental onlay is the right option for you, you will want to talk it over with your dentist to make sure it is indeed the right procedure for your situation. Porcelain inlays may be suggested instead. Also, remember, the best thing that you can do for yourself is to see your dentist on a regular basis so that you can catch any type of dental problem early on because it has time to cause serious damage.